定義

• Reading: ていぎ
• Romaji: teigi
• Kanji breakdown: 定 (tei) — fix, establish; 義 (gi) — meaning, righteousness
• Pronunciation: /te.i.ɡi/

Meaning

Definition; the precise meaning or explanation of a word or concept.

A noun that also functions as a する verb (定義する means 'to define'). Commonly used in academic, legal, and philosophical contexts. Often appears in the pattern ～の定義 (the definition of ~) or ～と定義する (to define as ~).

Examples

1. 幸せの定義は人それぞれ違う。 The definition of happiness differs from person to person.
2. この言葉はどう定義されていますか。 How is this word defined?
3. 成功を自分なりに定義することが大切だ。 It's important to define success in your own way.

Usage Guide

Context: academic writing, philosophy, law

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 定 (fix, establish) and 義 (meaning, righteousness). Together they describe the act of establishing a fixed meaning for a concept.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated